The rain fell on the pebbles, fallen leaves and umbrellas bobbing above a sea of people. Washed away sorrow, tears and the harshness of the city . Bickering stopped and all turned to lending a hand. The rain and wind picked up strength and we stayed hidden away, enveloped in warmth of the fire.

Autumn brings the storm

I reach out to you, neighbor

Keep safe, my friends

Behind the window pane, two lovers stayed under the covers, to keep the hurricane away. Children huddled together read books while the wind displayed its mighty strength, trying to pry open any weak entry. The old and sick braced themselves - medication, heat, food. Stay indoors.

Hallways give shelter
Toddlers in closet room tents
The cat on the ledge

As we listen in to the news, Sandy arrived - crashing at 86 miles per hour. Eerily the carousel at Battery Park stayed lit, surrounded by rising waters. The New York I knew and loved is devastated, deluged in sea water. Newsmen, ambulances rushed. Fires engulfed homes. Snow fell in October. Announcements made - stay put til morning. Stay safe. Stay brave.

The news strike fear
Toronto to Quebec City
My haunts, Canada

I am shocked. My favorite cities in Canada - Toronto, Peterborough, Quebec City - so many memories and fondest moments. Friends I remember well. I did not realize this would be closer to heart than I thought. I am keeping vigil and hope to hear from you soon - Verlia Stephens. Chris McInnis. Larry Coplen.

The world was grey everywhere he looked for he was born of sight but color blind. And yet, where there were herbs, the very texture of the air changed and he sensed the purple in the lavender and the brown muskiness of cinnamon.

He could mix these elements to create the most marvelous cures for any desire and illness.

For any wanting of mankind.

And as his magic touched all corners of the world, the colors tinted his grey world to become a wondrous kaleidoscope of million pixel dust.

I landed into a forest filled with luscious green peaceful giants and scurrying living creatures. Stepping out, the moss covered ground tickled my lower limbs, sending life signals that spread throughout me in delightful shivers. I looked up to see the wide span of blue dotted with nebulous waterforms - the open skies I cruised through upon entry.

Then, I heard alien voices filled with hatred and machines roaring in the distance.

In that instant, I understood my mission and why my superiors called this beautiful orb flawed.

I must admit, without shame and total disregard for high society etiquette, I reached out to Tess on Facebook and brazenly asked her, "When is the Willow Manor Ball?"

October is truly the month when everything appears like a roller coaster. I am a working Mum, writer and free-lance copy-writer cum gardener and cougar loving wife, loyal friend - proper daughter, aspiring poet, French student, math teacher and family disciplinarian all rolled into one.

I desperately needed to go to the Ball of the Year!

My loving husband has just asked me to accompany him while he has his dinner.

Bye everyone and see you at the Ball!

_____________________________

Oh, yes, here is the Magpie this week:

I watched, while they slept
One stood guard, his breath
Escaped into the night, full of fear

Afraid to switch off the lights
They sensed me tonight
Watching them watching me